THERE were Santa Claus and other characters, lots of food, gifts, and many playful moments when staff at Gran Bahia Principe Hotel hosted a recent treat for children on the paediatric ward at St Ann’s Bay Hospital.

However, the event was not only to provide food and fun for the day but also an opportunity for the staff to donate a much-needed refrigerator, which was purchased with money raised by members of the hotel’s housekeeping department.

Corla Carter, an employee of the housekeeping department, said the group was extremely happy to have been able to make a contribution to the ward.

“I feel extremely happy. It’s Christmas and whatever we could do for the department we are honoured. It was a pleasure,” she said.

“We actually raised the funds by each member of the housekeeping team donating whatever they can. We chose the refrigerator because we realised that they wanted a cooling fridge for the ward so we came up with the idea of making our department donate it,” she added.

The nurses on the ward were also given a refrigerator for their use.

While the hotel ensured that the children and staff on the ward were treated in keeping with the spirit of the holidays, Ricardo Esteban, general manager of the hotel, said it was more than showing up at Christmas.

“It’s not only because it is Christmas. Bahia Principe is extremely close to the paediatric ward.”

The hotel, he said, has adopted the ward and so makes an effort to attend to its needs all year round.

“It is phenomenal. We have been in the hospital the last three years,” he told the Jamaica Observer North East.

Assistant maintenance manager, Lloyd Ricketts, pointed out the work done by the hotel over the years.

According to Ricketts, the work started with Dwayne Simpson, the former assistant maintenance manager, who died earlier this year. A plaque has since been erected at the facility in his honour. However, his death did not put an end to the efforts of employees, who continue to ensure they volunteer their time and service to the ward.

“We have basically refurbished the ward; we repainted the entire paediatric ward, replaced all the lighting; We did a few covers for the infirmary and other staff areas, installed the ceiling fans and the wall-mounted fans,” he explained.

Drapes and bedside tables were also donated by the hotel. Bathtubs and toilets have also been replaced on the ward.

Ricketts said the hotel was also able to repair a broken incubator which was put in use immediately after work was completed.

“The technician was here repairing the incubator; and as he finished a baby came over,” he stated.

The hotel still intends to continue refurbishing the ward. One of the major projects expected to be implemented for the New Year is a fully working water-heating system.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Ricketts said, adding that the workers were grateful to be able to serve the hospital in the way they have been doing.

“I am personally happy; every time I come up here it is like a little joy for me to see that I am doing something that would benefit not one, but everyone, because all of us have kids and we never know when our child may need to come here. I personally feel as if I am getting this place to a level where I am comfortable sending my child to the paediatric ward,” Ricketts said.

Employees on the ward were happy for the treat and the donations made.

“It’s very good. It’s a good feeling because Bahia is a part of us because it has adopted this ward,” said Roslyn Delisser, nurse in charge of the Paediatric Ward.